Australian authorities have made a major breakthrough in the fight against international drug trafficking after intercepting a motorboat carrying over one tonne of cocaine off the New South Wales coast. Five men are now in custody following the dramatic bust, which police say could have flooded the streets with narcotics worth approximately $623 million.
The investigation began on April 28, when police were alerted to the suspicious cash purchase of a 13-metre vessel in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire. Detectives from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and New South Wales Police launched a joint operation, closely tracking the boat’s movements.
On Friday, officers swooped in as the motorboat approached South West Rocks on the state’s mid-north coast. Inside, they reportedly discovered 1,110 individually packaged blocks of cocaine, weighing more than 1,000 kilograms in total.
Two men, aged 24 and 26, were arrested on the boat. Shortly after, three additional suspects… aged 28, 29, and 35… were detained nearby after police stopped two vehicles allegedly trying to flee the area.
Subsequent raids on several Newcastle properties uncovered more evidence, including electronic devices, cash, documents, and clothing linked to the smuggling operation.
The two suspects from the boat have been charged with supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited substance and involvement in a criminal organization. The three men apprehended onshore face similar charges.
All five suspects were denied bail in Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday and are scheduled to appear before Coffs Harbour Local Court on July 15.
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Dametto issued a stark warning to organized crime groups: “Australia’s vast coastline might seem like the perfect gateway for drug syndicates, but they’re mistaken if they think they can get away with it. The AFP and our partners are relentless in pursuing those who try to exploit our borders.”
